In February 2026, Tata Motors updated its most affordable electric SUV, the Punch EV, with a bump in battery size, subtle cosmetic revisions and more features while also lowering its price. To see how much the 2026 Punch EV has improved over its older iteration, we put it through our real-world range tests.
Tata Punch EV new vs old: Specifications
Tata has increased the battery size in the new Punch EV’s long-range version by 5kWh and slightly boosted the motor’s power. However, the older Punch EV’s motor delivered 36Nm more torque.
In the 2026 model, Tata introduced a new 6-in-1 drivetrain setup, replacing the older car’s 3-in-1 unit. With this, Tata claims a 50 percent reduction in package size, a 28 percent lower weight and a 6 percent increase in efficiency. Despite the larger battery, this new drivetrain setup on the new Punch EV has led to a weight increase of a mere 5kg over its predecessor.
Tata Punch EV new vs old: Real-world range
In our tests, the new Tata Punch EV delivered a much higher range than its predecessor, going 75km farther on a single charge. This is thanks to the more efficient drivetrain setup, coupled with the larger battery pack on the new Punch EV.
Tata Punch EV new vs old: Prices
Despite the updates and higher real-world range, the new Tata Punch EV is much more affordable than the older model. In fact, depending on the variant chosen, it costs up to Rs 2 lakh less.
Autocar India’s range testing
Before our real-world range tests, the battery of our test car was fully charged, and we maintained tyre pressures in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. The car was driven on a weekday in Mumbai city and on the adjoining state highway in a fixed loop, and we maintained the set average speeds. At the end of each cycle, we calculated the range based on the percentage charge consumed.
Throughout our tests, the climate control was set to 22deg C in a full-auto setting, and other electricals, such as the audio system, indicators and ventilated front seats, were used when required, just as a regular user would. We take pride in our testing data, which isn’t merely consistent but also gives users an accurate indication of what they can expect in the real world.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
Aditya Panicker
